London-based designer Carlota Barrera delves deeply
into contemporary fashion, reinterpreting essential garments through a
distinctly female and queer lens. Her creative world is one rooted in a unique
intersection of Spanish heritage, progressive identity politics, and the
ongoing evolution of gender expression. With a focus that bridges tradition and
disruption, Barrera creates clothing that is at once thoughtful, sensual, and
radical—consistently probing what it means to be seen and to be understood in
the garments we wear.
Heavily inspired by the intricacies of the male form—its geometry, its movements, and its emotional complexity—Barrera brings to her work a queer, intellectualized perspective on masculinity. Through her gaze, masculinity becomes not a fixed identity but a living, shifting narrative. She observes and reconstructs the traditional language of menswear to uncover a richer dialogue around vulnerability, strength, and performative gender roles. Her designs reflect this duality: at once familiar and avant-garde, they carry with them a subtle yet powerful defiance of expectations.
Tailoring is a cornerstone of Barrera’s
collections. Season after season, the structure and discipline of tailoring are
re-examined and redefined. Classic silhouettes are dismantled and reconstructed,
giving way to forms that feel fluid, sensitive, and intimately connected to the
body. Rather than adhering to tradition, she embraces the unexpected—slashed
blazers, cutaway panels, and garments that challenge what is typically
concealed or revealed. Knitwear and undergarments echo these explorations,
often integrated into outerwear in ways that blur boundaries and provoke
reflection. This act of unveiling—both literal and conceptual—invites the
wearer to question what roles garments play in shaping identity.
At the heart of Barrera’s design philosophy is a
profound attention to the unseen. Every detail—whether in construction, fit, or
finish—speaks to a deeper sense of luxury rooted not in opulence but in
understanding. Her garments celebrate the body’s subtle lines and natural
rhythm, turning tailoring into a language of intimacy and respect. By
emphasizing the dialogue between form and feeling, she offers a softer, more
inclusive idea of masculinity—one that dismantles rigid codes and replaces them
with diverse, lived realities.
Born and raised in Spain, Carlota Barrera honed her vision through both formal education and practical experience. After completing her MA at London College of Fashion in 2018, she quickly established herself as a rising voice in fashion. Drawing from her heritage and lived experiences, she has worked across various respected fashion houses, developing a refined yet rebellious aesthetic. In 2019, her talent was recognized with the prestigious Vogue Fashion Fund Spain award, among other honors, cementing her position as a designer to watch. Her work continues to explore identity, expression, and the ever-shifting boundaries of what fashion can represent.
Link: Carlotta Barrera